Beer lovers vs. wine lovers! The ultimate summer yakitori pairing debate! Which side are you on?
2026.07.08
Do you think beer is the only thing that goes with yakitori? Actually, pairing it with wine is also popular. With the global football fever rising due to the FIFA World Cup 2026, this summer will see a battle of the best yakitori pairings. This time, we asked the staff at Real Grande, a restaurant whose owner's love of football is evident, to share their "recommended yakitori and drink combinations for this summer." From popular classic pairings to lesser-known combinations, and even a dish perfect for finishing off your meal, we'll introduce pairings divided into "beer lovers" and "wine lovers." This summer, why not find your favorite combination with the staff's top picks?
[Kick-off] First up, a classic showdown between two unmissable duos
Beer lovers | Salted chicken hearts × Draft beer
The most popular item at the restaurant is the "Hatsu Shio" (salted chicken hearts). It's a classic skewer that you'll want to order first. It has a mild flavor, a firm, springy texture, and a juicy, delicious taste. The light saltiness makes it light enough to enjoy even on a hot summer day, and it pairs perfectly with your first drink.
■STAFF COMMENT
"The best moment is when you wash down the juicy, charcoal-grilled chicken hearts with an ice-cold draft beer. The chicken hearts are served quickly, so you can enjoy them while the beer is at its coldest and most delicious."


"Hatsu" (242 yen each). "Kirin Ichiban Shibori Medium Mug" (715 yen).
Wine lovers | Chicken thigh pesto x Rosé wine "Honoró Bella Rosado"
This popular skewer features salt-grilled chicken thigh topped with a fragrant pesto sauce. Each bite offers a delightful blend of savory and refreshing aromas, leaving a clean aftertaste. While it's yakitori, it has a refined, almost bistro-like flavor. The specially prepared salt, infused with the umami of dashi broth, further enhances its compatibility with wine.
■STAFF COMMENT
"Our salt is made with sea salt and dashi (broth) made from shiitake mushrooms, kelp, and scallops. The mineral notes and umami of the dashi, combined with the aroma of pesto, make it a perfect match for the crisp rosé wine 'Honoró Bella Rosado,' which has a white wine-like character."


"Chicken Thigh Genovese" (286 yen each). "Honoró Bella Rosado" (715 yen by the glass, 4,840 yen by the bottle).
[Mid-game] A matchup known only to those in the know, a cunning and exclusive battle
Beer lovers | Salted chicken wings × Draft beer
If you're looking for a combination that's a little different from the usual skewers, try the "Salted Chicken Wings." The savory flavor of the chicken and the aroma of charcoal grilling spread with every bite, making a cold draft beer taste even better. It's a perfect summer combination that will make you want to order another one.
■STAFF COMMENT
"Chicken wings are a star performer, possessing all the best parts of chicken: the meat, skin, bone (which releases broth while grilling), and cartilage. The best way to enjoy them is to grill them until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy, then savor them with a beer while gnawing on the bones."


Chicken wings (264 yen each). Kirin Ichiban Shibori medium mug (715 yen).
Wine lovers | Red string sauce × Red wine "Abai Merlot"
For wine lovers, this is a sophisticated pairing you should definitely try. The "Akahimo Tare" (red string meat with sweet and savory sauce) has a smoky aroma unique to charcoal grilling, and when paired with a fruity red wine, you can enjoy an even more complex flavor.
■STAFF COMMENT
"The red string is the blood vessel at the base of the heart, and it has a texture similar to offal. The sauce clings well to the ingredients, and the smoky aroma from being grilled over charcoal pairs perfectly with the lingering finish of a fruity red wine with subtle tannins."


"Red string" (264 yen each). "Glass of red wine (Abai Merlot)" (693 yen).
[Additional Time] The final showdown: Even if you're full, you'll still want to eat more
Beer lovers | Mini mixed rice bowl
This dish allows you to fully enjoy the lingering flavor of the yakitori, making it a highly satisfying meal. It pairs well with beer and is the perfect way to end the meal, leaving you wanting "just one more bite!"
■STAFF COMMENT
"The Mini Mix Donburi is a rice bowl topped with grilled chicken thighs and meatballs marinated in sauce. The combination of beer, grilled chicken, sauce, and rice is simply irresistible! Adding a raw egg to the donburi will make it even more delicious."


"Mini Mixed Rice Bowl" (759 yen). We recommend adding a raw egg (Okazaki Ohan) (99 yen) as a topping.
Wine lovers | French toast
After enjoying yakitori, savoring the lingering flavors with dessert is a sophisticated way to enjoy yourself. It may seem like an unusual combination, but pairing it with wine creates a perfect match between the sweet and salty taste of the French toast and the acidity of the wine.
■STAFF COMMENT
"Our homemade French toast is made to be not too sweet so that it pairs well with drinks. When paired with a mild, natural white wine, the eggy flavor of the French toast is an excellent match."


"French toast" (682 yen). "Today's natural white wine" (glass 880 yen).
Beyond the classic image of yakitori being paired with beer, a new style of enjoying it with wine is spreading. Spending time with fragrant skewers and a glass in hand is a completely different way to enjoy yakitori. Why not try the pairings recommended by the staff and find your own "ultimate combination"?
*Prices posted on the website are
All prices include tax.
* The posted information is as of the date of information disclosure.
Please note.
Related articles RELATED POSTS
- Top
- List of Articles
- Dinner
- Beer lovers vs. wine lovers! The ultimate summer yakitori pairing debate! Which side are you on?



